Offshore Rod 'n Reel choice

[Count]

Hi Guys, Gals...

I want to pick up a fly rig for offshore work in the Gulf of Mexico, particularly something I can use around the oil platforms and other fish-attracting structures.

Can anyone advise as to what weight, type, etc. of rig I need? I assume a 10 is a bit on the light side, but is an 11 enough, or should I go with the 12? How about backing capacity?

Thanks much in advance for any advice you can offer.

Tight Lines,

Count

[bones]

Dear Count

I'm not an offshore flyfisher so I don't 'zackly know. Betcha your thread on the Florida forum will get you all the info you would need.

Good luck!

[Count]

Thanks for the advice, Bones. I'll give it the Florida board a shot.

Count

[Jeaux]

Count,

I fish the rigs off Louisiana from time to time with my flyrod. I have used everything from an 8-wt to a 14-wt. If I'm in bluewater, I'll start with my 12-wt. and either go a size up or down based on what we find. In greenwater, my 10-wt. is my "go to" rod, with my 12-wt. a close second.

I choose the 12-wt if I think that there is a possibility of hooking up with a tuna. I think that a 10-wt can handle much of what you'll run into around the rigs - jacks, kings, snapper, cobia, sharks, dolphin, etc.

I cant' remember off the top of my head how much backing I have on my reels. But, I have been taken pretty deep into my backing on more than one occasion.

Good luck!

Jeaux

[Count]

Jeaux,

Thanks so much for your helpful information. I really appreciate it!

Count

[Sagebrush]

LOL, I bought a 13-15 for bluefin but not much fun to cast. I imagine keeping em off the rig might be the only issue that wouldn't be handled by a good drag and maybe 300 yards of backing. 11 or 12 if your looking for bigger fish. One point to decide is whether you want more of a fighting rod or casting rod. An 8 1/2 foot with some backbone might be a good trade off between casting and fighting ability.